Mathematics Functional skills

Subject Overview

Functional Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 aims to promote mathematical thinking and transferable skills and is the foundation of skills for students working towards more advanced qualifications. The course covers Maths which is useful in everyday situations and the world of work. Students work with contextual material which emphasises the benefits of Maths to students who do not enjoy GCSE style learning and have been 'turned off' by the subject.

The Functional Mathematics specification is suitable for students of various ages and from diverse background in terms of lifelong learning. The Level 1 qualification in Functional Mathematics provides a good basis for progression to Level 2 in Functional Mathematics and level 2 provides a good progression towards GCSE higher grades.

Functional skills is generally taught 1 to 1 to enable students to make progress at their own pace.

We offer a practical activities, which include charity events, where students become familiar with using money. Students have access to the successmaker on line programme which gives them structured practice activities for Maths, and they are encouraged to complete at least 20 minutes a day using this programme.

Maths surrounds us in all aspects of life, and students are encouraged to use their mathematical skills in a range of situations, including using a timetable to plan a school trip, calculating the correct change after buying something, recognising mathematical patterns and applying logic.

Progression Pathways and Careers

Functional skills is a foundation course leading up to GCSE. Most careers need an element of Maths, thanks to the growing importance placed on technology, big data and economic efficiency, by all kinds of organisations, expert number crunchers are increasingly in demand. Those who study maths are keen problem solvers, eager to make sense of even the most advanced equations. Academic research is a common career path, but so too are careers in teaching, business, economics, accounting and banking. Most employers ask for a maths qualification

Functional Skills Maths could lead on to further study at GCSE Maths, to broaden the depth of mathematical knowledge.

Useful Links

MyMaths An interactive online lesson and test for every topic taught in secondary school mathematics. Students get their own logins and their performance in the topic tests (online homeworks) are recorded so progress can be monitored. The online lessons are very good with nice animations showing topics that are difficult to teach using just a whiteboard, such as, constructions and 3D coordinates.

Mathematics Enhancement Programme A resource for every topic! Pupil text books, practice books, tests and much more on every topic through the primary, secondary and A-level curricula.

NRich Maths A range of puzzles and activities for all abilities. The monthly puzzles really engage pupils as they can submit their solutions through the website and get them published online the following month.